Installing Claude Code takes less than two minutes on any platform. This guide covers every installation method -- native installer, Homebrew, npm, WinGet, and WSL -- with step-by-step instructions and common troubleshooting.

Prerequisites

Before installing Claude Code, you need:

• A Claude account with a Pro ($20/month), Team, or Enterprise subscription
• Node.js 18+ installed on your system (check with node --version)
• Operating system: macOS 13+, Linux (most distributions), or Windows 10/11

Method 1: Native Installer (Recommended)

The native installer is the simplest method and requires no additional dependencies. It auto-updates, so you always have the latest version.

macOS

Open Terminal and run:

``bash curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | sh `

This downloads and installs Claude Code to your system path. Once complete, type claude to launch.

Linux

Same command works on most Linux distributions:

`bash curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | sh `

Supported on Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, and most distributions with a standard shell.

Windows

For Windows, use the native Windows installer or WinGet:

`powershell winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode `

Or download the installer directly from claude.ai.

Method 2: Homebrew (macOS/Linux)

If you use Homebrew:

`bash brew install claude-code `

Method 3: npm (All Platforms)

If you prefer npm:

`bash npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code `

Note: The native installer is recommended over npm as it includes automatic updates and doesn't require Node.js to be pre-installed.

First Launch

After installation:

• Type claude in your terminal
• On first launch, you'll choose a text display style
• You'll be prompted to authenticate -- sign in with your Claude account
• Claude Code will confirm your subscription and you're ready to go

Essential First Steps

Once Claude Code is running, do these immediately:

Initialize your project

Navigate to your project directory and run:

` /init `

This creates a CLAUDE.md file -- the instruction manual that tells Claude Code about your project. This single step dramatically improves output quality.

Set up your preferences

Configure your coding preferences, commit message style, and permission settings through the /settings command or by editing your CLAUDE.md file.

Troubleshooting

"command not found: claude"

Your PATH may not include the installation directory. For the native installer, try restarting your terminal. For npm installs, ensure your global npm bin directory is in your PATH:

`bash npm config get prefix

Add the /bin subdirectory of the output to your PATH

`

Authentication errors

Make sure you have an active Claude Pro, Team, or Enterprise subscription. Free tier does not include Claude Code access.

Node.js version too old

Claude Code requires Node.js 18 or later. Update with:

`bash

macOS/Linux with nvm

nvm install 18 nvm use 18

Or download from nodejs.org

`

Permission errors on macOS

If you see permission errors, you may need to allow the installer in System Settings > Privacy & Security.

Updating Claude Code

The native installer auto-updates. For other methods:

`bash

Homebrew

brew upgrade claude-code

npm

npm update -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code ``

What's next

Once installed, read our guide on setting up your CLAUDE.md file -- the single most impactful thing you can do to get better results from Claude Code.